‘Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ – 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV
Have you ever attended a special meeting or gone to church during a difficult season, and felt rejuvenated by reason of the fellowship you had with other believers? This is the beauty of the communion we have as believers.
In Romans 1:12, we see Paul, an apostle and teacher, writing to the congregation of people he had pastored, telling them that he longed to see them so that they could encourage each other in faith. Hebrews 10:24 admonishes us to spur one another to good works. You can inspire others to have faith.
Many times, all people need is the right example. When Peter saw Jesus walk on water, it inspired faith in him to do the same, and he did (Matthew 14:25-29).
In much the same way, when people see others doing the things that they are able to do by God’s Spirit, it spurs faith in them to do the same. You can be that example for people. Your faith in God can be a source of encouragement to other believers and a witness to unbelievers.
Hebrews 6:12 admonishes us to follow the examples of the heroes of faith who have gone before us. Their faith stories written centuries ago encourage us today.
The three Hebrew boys in Daniel 3 are a good example of how our faith can be a witness to unbelievers. They had faith and trust in God even in the face of certain death in the furnace. Their example of faith turned Nebuchadnezzar who had mocked their God beforehand (Daniel 3:15) to someone who acknowledged His greatness and declared that there was no other god like Him (Daniel 3:28-30).
Abraham is another example of faith. God made him a promise, and he hoped even when there was no reason to hope (Romans 4:18), and now because of his example, all who are children of faith are so after the steps of Abraham (Galatians 3:9). By His example, we are encouraged to trust the promises of God even in the midst of seeming contradictions.
Your faith can encourage others. You can be an example. Your life can spur others to faith and good works.Live a life that would inspire faith in others, being conscious of the fact that when all is said and done, only those things which you did for Christ and in faith will matter for eternity.
When your faith story is read, what will it say? Like these heroes of faith, write your faith story God’s way. Stand up and be counted, do all that God will have you do for his namesake, and inspire others to do so too. Recognize that your greatness is relevant to God’s agenda and write your faith story well!
Bible Reading Plan: 1 Kings 16; 2 Chronicles 17